KARACHI:
At least two people were killed and 34 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks warehouse near Saddar Parking Plaza along MA Jinnah Road on Thursday afternoon.
The blast occurred around 3:30 pm in a ground-floor warehouse inside Al-Amena Plaza, where firecrackers and other explosive materials were stored for sale.
More than 30 people, many of them with burn injuries, were transported to Jinnah and Civil hospitals for treatment. Dr Nosheen Rizvi, Deputy Director of the Accident and Emergency Department at Jinnah Hospital, confirmed that 20 injured were brought to the facility, while 14 others were admitted to Civil Hospital.
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Tragically, 16-year-old madrassa student Asad’s charred body was recovered from the site. Speaking to reporters, his uncle Jamal Shah said Asad, a resident of Patel Para, had come to visit his elder brother during school holidays.
“His brother, Afser Shah, who works at a surgical instruments shop near the blast site, was also injured and is undergoing treatment,” he added.
Rescue teams working to extinguish the fire. Photo: Express
Another victim, 32-year-old Kashif, who was severely wounded in the blast, succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The explosion was reportedly heard several kilometers away, with smaller explosions continuing intermittently after the initial blast.
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Fire brigade teams responded promptly, deploying eight fire tenders, a snorkel, and a water bowser to control the fire and initiate cooling operations. Search efforts are ongoing to ensure no one remains trapped inside the building.
Raja Umar Khitab, an official from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), condemned the illegal storage of large quantities of fireworks and explosives in blatant violation of safety regulations. “This location had previously been raided, and two tons of explosives were seized during a crackdown on violations,” he said. “Legal action against the warehouse owner will follow.”
Photo: Express
He explained that fireworks contain explosive materials strictly regulated by law. “No more than 50 kilograms can be stored in a single shop, and such materials must be kept away from residential areas and petrol pumps.”
Speaking from the blast site, the Deputy Commissioner (South) stated that the explosion was reported at approximately 3:30 PM, prompting an immediate response from all relevant agencies. “The fire is now under control,” he confirmed. “A search operation is ongoing to ensure no one is left inside.”
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Explaining the licensing process, the deputy commissioner said that six to eight agencies are involved in issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) before such businesses are allowed to operate. “Explosives can only be stored in limited quantities, and no one is permitted to exceed those limits,” he said.
He noted that the last NOC for the warehouse had been issued in 2024, but additional documentation was currently under review. A technical team from the Explosives Department would assess the quantity of material stored on site, he added, and legal action would be taken if any violations were confirmed.
No permit for fireworks storage: official
The Deputy Director of the Explosives Department confirmed that no permission had been granted for the storage of fireworks at the site.
“We are currently investigating the quantity of explosive material that was being stored,” he said, adding that NOCs for up to 50 kilograms are issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office, while approvals for larger quantities fall under the jurisdiction of the Explosives Department.
“It appears that more than 50 kilograms were being stored at this location,” he stated.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and instructed authorities to ensure the victims receive comprehensive and quality medical care until full recovery.
Jinnah Hospital’s Executive Director, Professor Dr. Shahid Rasool, submitted a detailed report on the incident to the Chief Minister, stating that all victims were provided with the best possible medical facilities.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Haq Lanjar has ordered an immediate investigation into whether the warehouse was operating with a valid license. He directed the police to assist in the rescue operations, gather statements from the injured, and collect evidence from the site.
Extensive damage inside plaza
Meanwhile, extensive damage was observed inside the building during search operations, with various types of goods stored in the shops completely burned to ashes.
Vehicles and motorcycles parked near the building were also damaged in the blast. The building housed various shops, including those supplying furniture and equipment for beauty parlors, coffin shops, and 8 to 10 shops dealing in explosives.
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Shopkeepers of the affected shops gathered in front of the building, visibly distressed and grief-stricken. Many were in tears as they witnessed their shops and merchandise reduced to ashes.
“We have suffered heavy financial losses in this explosion,” said one of the shopkeepers.
Eyewitnesses reported that when the explosion occurred, fireballs shot out in different directions, injuring several pedestrians.
“Firecracker shells were scattered all around the area,” an eyewitness said. “One flame fell on a motorcyclist passing by, severely injuring him and burning his motorcycle to ashes.”
